Renting out in Haarlem

Haarlem is a much-loved city right next to Amsterdam and the coast, and you notice that on the housing market. The wait for social housing in the Zuid-Kennemerland region runs to around eight years, and private-sector homes are pricey. Many pre-war neighbourhoods with small single-family homes and upper/lower flats are central to the room-rental policy.

Hospita rental: permit-free, with conditions

Hospita rental is possible without a permit, but the municipality sets conditions: you are 18 or older and the main resident, you have lived there for at least two years, you rent up to two rooms to two people, and the rented space takes up no more than 35% of the home. Consent from your mortgage lender or owner and a written rental contract are required.

Renting to more people

Converting a self-contained home into rooms requires a conversion permit in designated (mainly pre-war) neighbourhoods. The municipality is extending the permit requirement for room conversion. Applications go through the municipality's message box (Berichtenbox).

Official info: gemeente Haarlem: hospita rental rules (in Dutch). As of June 2026. Always check the current rules with your municipality.

For the national rules, see General rules for room rental. Also check the impact on your municipal taxes.